If you are searching for land for sale in California, Kern County is a great place to consider. This guide will help you learn more about this beautiful location and help you decide if it provides an ideal investment opportunity.
LOCATION
- Kern County encompasses the southern end of the Central Valley. It is bordered by Los Angeles County to the south, Tulare County to the north, San Luis Obispo County to the east and San Bernardino County to the west.
COUNTY SEAT
- Bakersfield is the county seat and is the ninth-largest city in California. Read more about Bakersfield here.
ECONOMY
- Agriculture and energy resources are the main drivers of the economy. Kern County has been experiencing an economic growth boom since 2007. In fact, it is the number-two, food-producing county in the United States. Some of the foods grown in this region are pistachios, carrots, almonds and grapes. Kern has been a leader in oil production for quite some time, but in recent years it has diversified into solar and wind power. The population growth Kern has experienced is due in no small part to all of the jobs created by these booming industries. The overall cost of living in Kern County is just under the national average.
CLIMATE
- Kern County residents experience about 274 days a year of sunshine. Rainfall is scarce with just eight inches per year, which is well below the U.S. average of 37 inches. Water conservation is something that is an ongoing issue.
GEOGRAPHY
- There are five major regions in the county:
- Grasslands: A flatter area of native grasses and shrubs
- Interior chaparral: A scrubland on dry slopes
- Sierra Forest: A mountainous area overlooking the Kern River Valley with several tree species
- Mojave Desert: A hot and dry high-desert region with many indigenous plants and animals
- Great Basin Desert: An isolated, cold desert region in the northeast corner of Kern County
RECREATION
- Due to the great weather, outdoor activities are very popular here. Whitewater rafting on the Kern River and waterskiing, boating and fishing on Lake Ming, Lake Wooloomes and Isabella Lake are extremely popular. Off-road driving is enjoyed at the many off-highway vehicle parks, which are scattered throughout the county. Enjoy hiking and explore the natural beauty of the forests of Kern County, including Los Padres National Forest and the Giant Sequoia National Monument.